Dwight Howard says he had his first taste of alcohol while celebrating Lakers trade

Dwight Howard was so happy to be traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers back in August that the situation called for some unprecedented celebrating. The 26-year-old says he was so overwhelmed with joy that he decided to try something he had never tried before in his life — alcohol.

According to ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Dave McMenamin, Howard had never consumed an alcoholic beverage in his life before he was traded to the Lakers. Even then, he says he had only one shot of P. Diddy’s Ciroc vodka with his friends and that was it.

For all the stuff we have ripped Dwight for and all the negative things that others have said about him, you have to admit his alcohol-free lifestyle is pretty impressive. Alcohol is the root of problems for a number of athletes and celebrities, and the fact that Howard says he has avoided it altogether despite all the temptation that must constantly surround him is pretty admirable.

He may come across as a giant phony at times, but Howard is obviously committed to focusing on his career and limiting distractions. That may be a bit more difficult now that he will be playing ball in Hollywood, but steering clear of booze is certainly one way to keep your eyes on the prize.